Russian High Commander Shoigu scheduled to pay a visit to Kim in North Korea's territory.
Secretary of Russia's Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, touched down in North Korea and held a chat with leader Kim Jong Un on a recent Friday. The sit-down in Pyongyang had a "unequaled level of trust and warmth," as reported on the Russian Security Council's website.
Shoigu's talks with Kim are expected to have a substantial impact on the enforcement of the defense deal inked between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin during Putin's trip to North Korea back in June.
As per Putin, this agreement involves offering "mutual aid in the face of aggression against any of the signatories." Critics, including South Korea and the West, have strongly condemned Russia's alliance with the internationally secluded North Korea, alleging that Moscow is employing North Korean rockets and artillery shells in Ukraine. Ukraine also maintains that North Korean ordnance used by Russia has been recovered from attack sites in Ukraine.
To keep up its military campaign in Ukraine, Russia is hunting for more ammunition. Much like North Korea, it's among the most penalized nations globally. Consequently, Russia has been making overtures to countries like China, Iran, and North Korea.
Russian sources suggest that Shoigu's voyage to Pyongyang is intended to "proceed with a strategic dialogue." Following his dismissal as Defense Minister in May amidst a larger military leadership reshuffle, he was appointed Secretary of the National Security Council. Earlier this August, he engaged in discussions in Tehran.
The Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, may discuss the enhancement of strategic cooperation with North Korea, as suggested by Russian sources, in relation to his recent visit to Pyongyang. Given his role as the Chairman of the Security Council, Shoigu will likely discuss the potential impacts of such cooperation on the enforcement of the defense deal between Russia and North Korea.
